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ORIGIN

This 1978 Toyota Land Cruiser BJ43 is said to have originally been delivered new to a local fire station in Agen, France and remained in service as the chief’s vehicle until 1996. As a 43-Series truck, it features a 5″ longer wheelbase and a 12″ longer body than the 40-Series. Now showing just 13k kilometers (~8k miles), it was imported to the US two years ago and acquired by the seller shortly thereafter. Power comes from a naturally-aspirated 3.0L B-series diesel inline-four, which is mated to a four-speed manual gearbox and two-speed transfer case. Other features include a power take-off, factory canvas top, removable beacon light, and a bumper-mounted siren. The truck underwent a cosmetic refurbishment approximately 20 years ago though it described as a very original example, and recent servicing included the installation of two new batteries and a full set of all-terrain tires. This BJ43 is now being offered with the original owners manual, shop manual, keys, and a clean Florida title in the seller’s name.

The body is reportedly finished in a slightly darker shade than the original red to match the fire company’s other trucks, and received a second repaint sometime in the 1990s before being placed back in storage. An original dealer plaque remains installed and covered in a protective film.

The original canvas top is said to have been retained, with evidence of repair work present and a set of replacement roll-up side and rear windows, which were installed a few years ago. A siren comes fitted on the front bumper, though it is currently disconnected, and the detachable beacon light is included with the sale. All four tires and the rear-mounted spare were recently replaced.

The original floor covering and factory rubber floor mats remain installed along with black upholstery, as well as the original steering wheel and controls. The PTO lever resides next to the shifter, and the original bottle jack can be seen stowed next to the driver seat. Just 13k kilometers (~8k miles) are shown on the five-digit odometer, which the seller believes to be correct based on the truck’s history.

Fold-down bench seats trimmed in matching black vinyl come fitted, and some mild staining is visible in the original canvas top.

The 3.0-liter B-series diesel inline-four and engine compartment remain unmodified. Two new batteries have recently been installed for the 24-volt electrical system.

Additional photos of the undercarriage can be seen in the gallery below.